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HISTORY OF KERALA
 Location : Southwestern Tip of India
Area : 38,863 Sq.
Km
Population : 29,011,237 (Census 91)
Capital :
Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandarum)
Language : Malayalam,
English Is Widely Spoken.
Religion : Hinduism,
Christianity, Islam
Currency : Indian Rupee
Climate :
Tropical
Summer : February - May (24 - 33 Dg. C)
Monsoon
: June - September(22 - 28 Dg. C)
Winter : October -
January (22 - 32 Dg. C)
Tourism is actually an expression of man's natural
instincts to move from one place to another. India's tourist
attractions warrant for more tourists than we are presently
getting. No other country can match India as a tourist draw.
As far as Kerala is concerned, the state's potential for
tourism has been well accepted. Tourism is Kerala's boom
industry. Strategically located at the south western tip of
India, Kerala enjoys unique geographic features, which has
made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in
Asia.
The state is a breathtakingly beautiful green,
Greenland. Natural endowments like tranquil beaches, soothing
backwaters, exhilarating hill stations, enchanting waterfalls,
historic monuments, spectacular art forms, rejuvenating health
packages, exotic wildlife and year-round festivals offer
excellent investment opportunities in tourism related
activities. All of which offer the tourists a unique
experience, which enchants him throughout his life.
 Again, Kerala has in store more for
the tourists. The state can boast of having the most advanced
society in Kerala. It has a very high per cent literate
people, the lowest infant mortality rate, the highest life
expectancy rate, the highest quality of life etc. As a
destination, Kerala can attract the independent traveler with
its unique qualities like the pristine environment, the rich
and vibrant culture and the high quality of life for the local
inhabitants brought about by the state's investments since
Independence in the field of education, health care,
institutions of democracy, social justice etc. The state is
also endowed with its unique natural, cultural and social
resources. According to legend, the land was a gift of
Parasurama, one of the ten Avatars (incarnations) of Lord
Vishnu. It is believed that Parasurama threw his battle-axe
into the sea, reclaiming the landmass, Kerala.
The long
stretch of its coast-line of about 575 kms with its string of
many ports, has played a decisive role in shaping the history
of Kerala. As far back as the 3rd century BC, Egyptians,
Phoenicians, Chinese and Babylonians had trade relations with
Kerala. In the early 17th century, the Dutch, the French and
the English too were lured by her wealth of ivory, teak and
spices like ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and pepper.
Christianity, Judaism and Islam; all found their way into
Kerala. In AD 52, St. Thomas the Apostle is believed to have
landed here to spread the gospel of Christ. The followers of
St. Thomas adhered to Syrian liturgy. But with the arrival of
the Portuguese, Latin liturgy was also introduced in the
churches.
Protestantism was brought into Kerala by the
Dutch and the British. The state of Kerala was formed in 1956
by merging the princely states of Travancore, Cochin and
Malabar (formerly part of Madras state). In 1957, Kerala
became the first democratic state in the world to elect a
Communist government. Now, the state has a population of 30
million - making it one of the most densely populated states
in India sharing with roughly 60% Hindus, 20% Muslims and 20%
Christians. It is also the most advanced state in India with
the the highest literacy rate and the lowest birth rate of
24.3%. Almost a quarter of the land area is covered by forest,
with over 600 plant species. Paddy fields and coconut palms
cover the plains, while up in the hills, there are plantations
of areca nut, cardamom, rubber, pepper, tea and coffee.
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